The illness in question is measles, a viral infection that begins with cold-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, and a runny nose, before typically developing into a widespread red rash. As of December 23, there were 2,012 confirmed measles cases reported in the US.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is around 93 percent effective after one dose, has faced increased scrutiny within Donald Trump’s government, even as measles cases continue to climb nationwide.
The remaining seven percent of cases involved individuals who had received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, including three percent who had one dose and four percent who had received the full two-dose schedule.
As a result of the outbreak, hundreds of students across South Carolina have been required to stay home and quarantine to limit further spread.
Measles was officially eliminated from the Americas in 2016, but health officials warn that continued outbreaks now threaten the region’s measles-free status.
